Picture It: SOLVE IT!
“Picture It-SOLVE IT!” is an advice column that uses art to help people solve problems. To submit a question, you must provide a drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, video or photograph that express how you feel about the question or problem. Send high-quality JPEG digital image to powerartllc@gmail.com along with your question, data profile and release statement found in the "Insight Art Column" category of this blog.
Question:
I feel depressed about not talking about my job dissatisfaction with my boss. He says he wants to do a lot for me, but he said that last year. He did nothing. How can I change the terms of my work life?-- Hafa Adagio, Security Officer, United Nations, Age 43
Dear Hafa,
Hafa's, your issue may be part of a much larger problem. You need to understand the bigger picture to know the right direction to take. According to the World Economic Forum the U.S. ranked 65th out of 131 countries for gender and pay inequality in all occupations. Keep that in mind as you read the answer to your question.
What does your artwork tell us about your dilemma and how to solve it?
Your artwork shows you feeling trapped in a male dominated office that does not allow for your creative expression. You drew your hands hovering above your head holding a business chart, like you are surrendering or being held at gunpoint. You look sad and frustrated. It screams of feeling powerless.
You submitted your artwork on a garbage bag using a black felt pen, another reflection of the low regard you feel in your job and towards yourself. You are pictured in the center of the drawing showing your situation is a dominant issue in your life.
The piano and dancers indicate your future can improve if you express yourself more creatively and authentically. You need to take back your own power and build your self esteem.
It is common that women often do not speak up or become confrontational because they want to be liked. It is all part of our cultural conditioning. The stories we tell ourselves and the stories told to us become part of our drama.
If you stay at your job, you need to communicate to your current boss in a more forceful way. See the bigger picture, do not personalize the inequality. Figure out an effective strategy and take action. You can start sending weekly or daily updates on all the things you accomplish. Let your boss know what you are accomplishing. Keep it front and center. Let him know when you need his help in the process. Thank him for any assistance and let him know he is appreciated. Do not worry about being liked or not. The squeaky wheel usually gets the oil.
Investing your energies in finding new opportunities that use more of your creative abilities may boost your self esteem and become a happier route to success. You cannot find “The Garden of Eden” on Google maps. You need to know what and who to ask to get the right directions to a heart felt place that feels like home.
Picture It; SOLVE IT: Copyright 2016